A US Postal Service employee sorts parcels for distribution Photo: VCG

Industry associations from the Chinese mainland and the government of Hong Kong Special Administration Region (HKSAR) have strongly opposed the US decision to eliminate the tax exemption for low-value imports from Chinese mainland and Hong Kong, effective May 2. 

The criticism followed an executive order signed by the US President Donald Trump on Wednesday US time, which will eliminate the "de minimis provision" for goods from the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong on May 2. The current exemption applies to packages valued at $800 or less, according to AP.

The US' move has abruptly disrupted the normal trade order between China and the US, severely affecting global industrial cooperation and significantly harmed the rights and interests of consumers, including those of the American people. The China National Light Industry Council, alongside numerous light industry enterprises, expressed serious concern and strong opposition to this move, as noted in an announcement by the industry council on Friday.

The small package tariff exemption policy is a globally recognized facilitation measure. The US move disregards the facts and violates the WTO's principle of non-discrimination and the spirit of fair trade, undermining the resilience of the global textile industry chain, ultimately harming all stakeholders, including US businesses and consumers, China National Textile and Apparel Council said in a notice on Friday.

The Chinese textile industry fully supports the Chinese government's position and strongly condemns and resolutely opposes the hegemonic actions of the US that disrupt international supply chain order and increase trade costs through its domestic administrative measures. The industry supports Chinese government to take firm measures to uphold national sovereignty, security, and development interests, and to protect the legitimate interests of related industrial sectors, the notice said.

The China Express Association, which represents China's postal and express delivery companies, also expressed firm opposition to the US decision.

In a Thursday notice, the association stated, we hope that the US side can correct its erroneous practices and take necessary measures to create a fair and predictable policy environment for the development of cross-border e-commerce and international delivery. 

The notice added that cooperation between Chinese and US postal services and delivery firms could help ensure more stable and convenient international delivery channels for American consumers to access desired goods.

HKSAR government also made corresponding response. As for the duty-free "de minimis treatment" for postal items dispatched from Hong Kong to the US, the US has been repeatedly changing its policies unilaterally. Hongkong Post has requested the US postal administration to promptly clarify the matter and not cause inconvenience to the public, the HKSAR government noted in an announcement on Thursday.